09/02/2026

MONDAY | FEB 9, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

o Framework being studied as existing laws only cover network misuse, but specific controls may be needed: Minister Plan to curb child sexual abuse content

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“It is a seizable offence. We have amended the law so those involved in CSAM or paedophile activity can now be caught.” Previously, enforcement was limited under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, but the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (D11) is now applying the amended provisions. Fahmi said under Op Pedo 2.0, 31 individuals were detained nationwide and 880,000 pieces of child sexual exploitation material were seized – roughly 20 times more than under Op Pedo 1.0 as of September last year. Addressing concerns over children’s social media use, Fahmi said new accounts opened directly by minors would face restrictions, while accounts managed by parents, including for young influencers or content creators, are acceptable. “But if parents create the account for their children, then the supervision and control of the account is with the parents,” he said. He urged parents to remain vigilant, particularly in safeguarding personal data. “The only reminder for parents is to ensure that data, especially home addresses and areas considered private, must always be protected. AI, for example, can be misused to edit images or videos of children for inappropriate purposes,” Fahmi said. Parents managing their children’s accounts must exercise constant caution. “It is not a problem if parents manage it, but they must always be vigilant. Use the internet safely. Take what is good, discard what is harmful.” “Parents and guardians play a crucial role as the first line of protection in safeguarding children from digital threats.” With the festive season approaching, Fahmi also cautioned the public about an increase in scams. “We know that in the coming weeks, we will be celebrating Chinese New Year and shortly after, Hari Raya. “At this time, parents will start taking out money for preparation and daily expenses. Scammers view this period as a prime opportunity to target victims. This is the season for them to go ‘fishing’,” he said. He urged the public to be wary of SMS messages containing hyperlinks. “If you receive an SMS with a link, do not click on it. MCMC has issued a directive to all telecom providers since last year that SMS messages must not contain hyperlinks. “The success of the Safe Internet Campaign 2026 hinges on collaboration between the government, educational institutions, parents, industry players and society as a whole. Let’s join hands to ensure a safer digital space for everyone.” – By Harith Kamal

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is exploring the possibility of licensing artificial intelligence (AI) applications to curb the online creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said. Currently, offences related to AI fall under the misuse of network services, covering the abuse of network facilities to transmit grossly offensive content. While the Digital Ministry is responsible for drafting AI regulations, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is expected to oversee any licensing framework. “We are studying whether there is a need, based on findings or recommendations from enforcement bodies, for AI applications to be licensed and we will review to take appropriate action. “At this time, there is no specific act yet, so we have to wait for that part,” Fahmi told reporters after officiating Internet Safety Day 2026 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa yesterday. He clarified that authorities already have the power to act against individuals using networks to transmit grossly offensive content, but the government has not yet applied that power to AI-generated material. On CSAM enforcement, Fahmi said recent legal amendments now allow authorities to arrest offenders. “Regarding child sexual abuse material, any misuse of the network to transmit content that violates the law, including CSAM, (can lead) to perpetrators being arrested. 851,228 harmful online content items were removed by service providers following continuous monitoring and reporting by the MCMC. “The total includes grossly offensive content involving children. This clearly shows that online threats are real and ongoing, and parents are the most important first line of defence.” On enforcement, Fahmi highlighted the cooperation between the police and MCMC through Op Pedo 1.0 and Op Pedo 2.0, which led to firm action against individuals involved in the possession and distribution of child sexual exploitation material online. He also pointed to the enforcement of the Online Safety Act 2025 (Onsa), effective Jan 1, which obliges social media platforms to take greater responsibility in addressing online harms. Specific child protection measures, including the minimum age of 16 years for social media account registration, are currently being tested under a regulatory sandbox before full implementation. However, Fahmi stressed that safeguarding children online cannot rest solely on the government.

Fahmi being briefed on the use of dolls as props designed to raise awareness and educate children on online sexual abuse. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

‘Devices should not replace parenting’

Bandwith boost for Sara rollout

KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has warned that the growing use of digital devices as “electronic babysitters” is exposing children to serious online risks, amid a persistent rise in harmful content on the internet in Malaysia. He urged parents to reflect on whether technology is being used responsibly or whether the role of raising and educating children has effectively been “handed over to screens”with smartphones, tablets and televisions increasingly replacing direct parental engagement. “We live in a technological era where smart devices are no longer foreign, but part of daily life. “While they bring many benefits the question is whether we are using them wisely or allowing devices to become a second caregiver,” he said at the launch of the Safe Internet Campaign 2026. Fahmi said it had become common to see children pacified with mobile phones or tablets, both at home and in public spaces, warning that such habits could expose them to serious online harm if left unchecked. Citing enforcement data, he said between 2022 and 2025, a total of

KUALA LUMPUR: The MyKasih website increased its bandwidth to ensure a smooth rollout of the Sara for All programme which begins today. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the initiative will see all eligible Malaysians receive RM100 in basic Rahmah support, credited directly to their MyKad accounts. The programme covers all citizens aged 18 and above. “MyKasih, which manages the database, has increased its bandwidth to ensure there are no technical issues during the implementation of Sara for All starting tomorrow,” he said. Fahmi added that he had also spoken with Treasury secretary general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, who assured that the early days of disbursement would run smoothly. “We have learned from the system issues at the end of 2025 and are taking steps to prevent similar problems,” he said.

Under the programme, the RM100 allowance can be used for shopping or purchasing goods and will remain valid until 31 Dec 2026. Last week, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said Sara for All has a total allocation of RM2.2 billion, benefiting around 22 million Malaysians. The rollout also includes a major expansion of the Sara merchant network to 10,700 outlets nationwide, up from just 700 in 2024, including 3,000 small traders. Amir added that in 2025, nearly 5.6 million monthly Sara recipients used their MyKad to purchase essential goods at registered outlets, reflecting a utilisation rate of 99%, with total transactions reaching RM4.8 billion from the RM5 billion allocated. Eligibility checks can be made via the Sara portal at sara.gov.my. – By Harith Kamal